Armstrong ‘buzzing’ after Newcastle survival as he skippers England Under-18s

Ross Gregory

Adam Armstrong says he’s “buzzing” on England duty after Newcastle United managed to avoid relegation from the Premier League.

Armstrong – along with Magpie club-mates Freddie Woodman and Dan Barlaser – is away with the national Under-18 side, preparing for next week’s double header against Russia.

And he admits he has a spring in his step after watching the Magpies beat the drop on the last day of the season.

Armstrong said: “I picked up a little knock and had to miss the last game, which was obviously gutting for me, but I’m ready to go now.

“It was a massive relief that we managed to stay up, and the lads did excellent to defeat West Ham on the last day.

“Being a fan as well, that’s given me a massive buzz coming into this trip.”

Armstrong has been named as captain by boss Neil Dewsnip for the two Russia games,. in the absence of regular skipper Ryan Ledson.

“When you have the armband, it is of course a big responsibility, but I have always believed that you should have 11 captains on the pitch – so, in that sense, it doesn’t make too much of a difference,” Armstrong told thefa.com.

“It’s my first time captaining for a full trip, so of course I’m really proud. I have to admit that when I saw Lego (Ledson) was injured, I was hoping to get it again after wearing it against Switzerland (when Armstrong netted twice) and thankfully Neil has given it to me. It’s a big boost.”